Were you injured by vehicles or machinery while traveling along the local bridge? Construction zones on busy viaducts typically create unexpected dangers that subsequently put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in harm’s way.
After being injured in a situation like this, victims often feel overwhelmed with everything that arises in the aftermath of a collision, namely pain and suffering, insurance claims, and legal issues. If this sounds like your situation, a highway accident lawyer in Somerville will help you.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have recovered more than $250 million. With 21-plus years of experience, we’ve helped 15,000 clients and counting. We’ll stand by your side at all times as your Somerville Viaduct Preservation construction accident lawyer.
Scope of the Preservation Project
The Somerville I-93 Viaduct Preservation project involves many different layers of maintenance and repairs.
The main objectives of the project include reinforcing the structural integrity of the bridge, improving safety for vehicles and pedestrians, and addressing long-standing infrastructure concerns.
These are important aspects of the project that could potentially pertain to your case:
- Concrete rehabilitation of the substructure: Over time, concrete elements of the viaduct wear down, sustain cracks, and begin to deteriorate. In response, rehabilitation efforts involve repairing damaged sections and applying protective coatings to prevent further degradation.
- Structural steel repairs and painting: Steel components of the viaduct are prone to corrosion due to the exposure they sustain to weather conditions and road salts. Repairs include replacing or reinforcing damaged steel beams and repainting surfaces with protective coatings. This is intended to prevent rust and extend the lifespan of the bridge.
- Bridge joint replacements: Expansion joints allow for movement of the bridge due to temperature changes and traffic loads, among other factors. Replacing or upgrading these joints ensure smooth movement while preventing water from infiltrating, which would otherwise result in further structural issues.
- Concrete deck repairs: The driving surface itself is repaired and resurfaced to maintain safety. This also increases comfort for drivers on the road. This step includes filling cracks, repairing potholes, and applying new pavement markings.
- Drainage system upgrades: Effective drainage is important for maintaining overall bridge safety. This also prevents water from accumulating, which would subsequently reduce the likelihood of accidents and accelerate structural deterioration.
If you’ve been affected by a crash in this area, a highway accident lawyer in Somerville will have what it takes to help you understand your options.
Risks Associated with Construction Activities
While the preservation project is necessary for long-term safety, construction activities inherently introduce drivers, pedestrians, and workers to risks that they would likely not be exposed to in any other circumstance.
Let’s take a closer look at a handful of primary risks posed by construction-related activities:
- Lane closures and traffic shifts: To facilitate repair work, certain lanes are often closed and traffic is typically redirected. These sudden changes create confusion for drivers and increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, if not side-swipe crashes. Drivers who are unfamiliar with new traffic patterns could inadvertently enter closed lanes or collide with barriers as a result.
- Reduced visibility: Construction barriers, equipment, and temporary signage have the means to obstruct sightlines. This makes it more difficult for drivers to anticipate changes in traffic flow. Nighttime work and adverse weather conditions further exacerbate these visibility-related concerns.
- Heavy equipment and machinery: Cranes, bulldozers, and other vehicles operate within or near the roadway in construction zones. As a result, they inevitably become hazards. Drivers and pedestrians alike must remain alert to avoid unexpected obstacles or collisions with moving machinery.
- Debris and falling objects: Construction activities often involve cutting, drilling, and moving heavy materials. If proper precautions are not taken, debris will likely fall into travel lanes, creating hazards for both vehicles and pedestrians.
- Narrowed lanes and work zones: Temporary lane reductions make it difficult for larger vehicles to travel safely, which increases the risk of accidents, especially for trucks, buses, and emergency vehicles.
- Traffic congestion and aggressive driving: Congested work zones often lead to frustration among drivers, which increases the likelihood of aggressive maneuvers, high speeds, and risky lane changes.
If an accident occurs in a work zone and leaves you injured as a result, a Somerville car accident lawyer will provide you with legal guidance and help protect your rights as you pursue compensation in your case.
Somerville Viaduct Preservation Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 577-5188
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There are often numerous legal considerations involved in cases related to accidents that occur in construction zones. Thankfully, Somerville personal injury lawyers handle these matters on your behalf.
Determining Fault
Establishing who is responsible for an accident is a part of the process. Fault often lies with various parties, like a driver who acted with negligence, a construction contractor who failed to maintain safe conditions, or a government agency that inadequately warned drivers of hazards.
Insurance and Compensation
Incidents that arise in construction zones often require Viaduct preservation construction accident attorneys in Somerville to file multiple insurance claims.
On your behalf, your lawyer will pursue compensation from whoever is deemed liable for the accident that caused your injuries.
Government Liability and Immunity
Massachusetts state laws declare certain protections for government agencies. It’s not uncommon for those protections to complicate claims against public entities, but your Somerville Viaduct preservation construction accident lawyers will understand how to proceed.
Contact Our Somerville Viaduct Preservation Construction Accident Law Firm ASAP For More Information
If you or someone you love was hurt near the Somerville Viaduct while a preservation construction project was underway, you don’t need to figure out this situation all on your own. Construction zone accidents are often overwhelming, but help is just one phone call away.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to be a local law firm. We take care of our own because Massachusetts is our home. When you retain us as your Somerville Viaduct preservation construction accident attorneys, you’re hiring lawyers who know the community.
We understand the courts, and we’re committed to standing up for your legal rights. Injured? Better Phone Stone®. And as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee®, there’s no obligation, just information®.
Plus, we’ll respond to you within 24 hours because your case is important to us.
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